Overview
This section mandates that Contracting Officers (COs) and federal agencies fully assist the Department of Labor (DOL) in investigating and enforcing compliance with labor standards on service contracts. It establishes a formal framework for information sharing and the reporting of potential labor violations.
Key Rules
- Mandatory Cooperation: Contracting officers must assist DOL representatives with record examinations, employee interviews, and all facets of their investigations.
- Information Sharing: Agencies are required to provide the Wage and Hour Administrator with requested data regarding contractors, subcontractors, and the specific nature of contract services.
- Reporting Requirements: The CO must promptly submit written referrals of any apparent violations or complaints to the appropriate DOL regional office.
- Confidentiality: To protect workers from potential retaliation, agencies are strictly prohibited from disclosing employee complaints to the employer.
Practical Implications
- Audit Readiness: Contractors should maintain meticulous labor and payroll records, as the FAR grants the DOL broad access to these documents through the Contracting Officer.
- Direct Enforcement: The CO acts as an enforcement conduit for the DOL; contractors cannot expect the CO to resolve labor disputes internally without involving federal labor authorities.